Derisive
Derisive adjective - So foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter.
Respectful
Respectful adjective - Full of or exhibiting respect.
Usage example: respectful behavior
Derisive is an antonym for respectful.
Both words in one sentence
- As the story goes on, the use of these evolves from derisive, to respectful, to terms of endearment.
Source: Race Name Basis - And this is a reflection which appears so exceedingly obvious that attempts to controvert it are received more frequently with a derisive smile than with anything like respectful attention.
Source: Literature / C. Auguste Dupin
Cite this Source
Respectful and Derisive. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/derisive/respectful
Derisive & Respectful. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/derisive/respectful>.
Respectful or Derisive. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/derisive/respectful.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "derisive" and "respectful" have occurred on timeline